Catastrophe & Restoration

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety examined building policies in 18 Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and found that despite the increasing severity of natural disasters, many of those states have relaxed their approach to codes — or have yet to impose any whatsoever.

Imagine trying to remember everything you purchased over the last 10 years. Following a fire, flood or other peril, having visual proof of what was lost or damaged can expedite the claims settlement process for all involved.

The five passengers trapped in a helicopter that ditched into the East River off New York Sunday night may have died because they were wearing hard-to-remove harnesses in the stricken craft, investigators said.